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Wills & Estates

How do I get a copy of the accounts and records from an executor in British Columbia?

TSL Written by the Treadstone Law Team· Updated November 13, 2026

This answer covers the law of British Columbia.

Beneficiaries can generally expect an executor to account for the estate, and the law backs this up with a formal process for passing accounts in court. An executor must obtain a court order for passing their first accounts within two years of the grant or appointment, unless the exceptions in the Trustee Act apply. The government guide lists preparing accounts showing assets, receipts, disbursements and distribution, and getting the court's approval, as executor duties.

If you want accounts more regularly, a beneficiary can serve notice requiring the representative to pass accounts annually, within one month of the anniversary. An executor who fails to pass accounts as required may be called before the court to explain why. Whether you can see particular items informally, such as bank statements, the will or an inventory, depends on the facts, so start by asking the executor in writing.

If an executor will not cooperate, a person with an interest in the estate may apply to the court to remove or pass over someone entitled to act, including for being unable or unwilling to perform duties in a way that hampers administration. Which application fits depends on your situation, so a lawyer can confirm the right route before you file.

Key takeaways

  • An executor must obtain a court order for passing their first accounts within two years of the grant or appointment, unless the exceptions in the Trustee Act apply.
  • A beneficiary can serve notice requiring the representative to pass accounts annually, within one month of the anniversary.
  • An executor who fails to pass accounts as required may be called before the court to explain why.
  • Whether you can see items such as bank statements, the will or an inventory without a court application depends on the facts, so ask in writing first and confirm next steps with a lawyer.
This is general information, not legal advice. It doesn’t create a lawyer–client relationship, and the rules can change. For advice on your situation, a Treadstone wills & estates lawyer can help.

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Sources

Links go to official government, court and regulator pages. The law changes — confirm you are reading the current version.

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